ESPN Football Announcer, WI Graduate Mike Patrick to be Recognized by City on Monday

By Connect Clarksburg Staff | June 09, 2018

The City of Clarksburg has deep roots in sports legends. The City has honored Jimbo Fisher, Mike Carey, and now it’s time to recognize famed ESPN sportscaster Mike Patrick.

Patrick is a Clarksburg native who will be honored by City Officials in a ceremony taking place this Monday, June 11th at 12:00 Noon in Jackson Square.

Mike grew up in the Chestnut Hills section of Clarksburg and attended Washington Irving High School.

Mr. Patrick’s career at ESPN began in 1982. He was the play-by-play voice for many of the network’s top events, including college football, NCAA men’s basketball and NCAA Men’s College World Series.

Patrick was the play-by-play voice on ESPN’s Sunday Night Football NFL telecasts from 1987 to 2005. He was joined in 1988 by analyst Joe Theismann, reuniting close friends who first worked together in 1976 on University of Maryland basketball games. In 1998, Paul Maguire joined the booth, and the trio – along with sideline reporter Suzy Kolber (since 2001) – was called by many the best NFL team in the business.

Besides the NFL, Patrick has called NCAA basketball since 1982 and did college football from 1982-1997 when ESPN’s NFL schedule expanded to include the entire season. He has also announced the following ESPN events: the U.S. Olympic Festival (1987 and ’90), the College World Series and the British Open (1985 and ’86).

Patrick began his broadcasting career in the fall of 1966 at WVSC-Radio in Somerset, Pa. In 1970, he was named Sports Director at WJXT-TV in Jacksonville, Fla., where he provided play-by-play for Jacksonville Sharks’ World Football League telecasts (1973-74). He also called Jacksonville University basketball games on both radio and television.

In 1975, Patrick moved to WJLA-TV in Washington, D.C., as sports reporter and weekend anchor. In addition to those duties, Patrick called play-by-play for University of Maryland football and basketball (1975-78) and Washington Redskins preseason games (1975-82).

Mike retired February 21, 2018 after 36 years with the network. He stated, "It's wonderful to reflect on how I've done exactly what I wanted to do with my life," Patrick said in a statement. "At the same time, I've had the great pleasure of working with some of the very best people I've ever known, both on the air and behind the scenes. While I'm not sure exactly what's next for me, I'm looking forward to continuing my journey with new life experiences."

The City of Clarksburg is proud of our past and honored to having Mike Patrick be a part.